Would Arthur Morgan Have Died from Tuberculosis?
The unequivocal answer is yes, Arthur Morgan would have died from tuberculosis (TB) in the setting of Red Dead Redemption 2. The game makes it abundantly clear that there is no cure for tuberculosis in 1899, and Arthur’s condition steadily worsens throughout the latter half of the game, leading to his inevitable death. This wasn’t just a plot device; it was a grim reflection of the reality of the time. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of Arthur’s situation and the historical context of tuberculosis.
The Unforgiving Nature of Tuberculosis in 1899
Historical Accuracy of the Disease
Red Dead Redemption 2’s portrayal of tuberculosis is tragically accurate for the period. In the late 19th century, TB was a devastating and widespread disease. Often called “consumption” or “the white plague,” it was a major cause of death globally. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis is highly contagious and primarily attacks the lungs, although it can affect other parts of the body.
There were no reliable treatments available at the time. Doctors often prescribed rest, good nutrition, and fresh air—advice that, while helpful, wasn’t a cure. Some physicians even employed outdated and ineffective methods like bloodletting. However, most people diagnosed with TB faced a drawn-out and ultimately fatal illness. This is precisely what Arthur Morgan experiences in the game. The game creators were committed to grounding the experience in the historical realities of the setting, and the representation of tuberculosis is a key part of that.
Arthur’s Specific Case
Arthur contracts tuberculosis during a mission where he is beaten by Thomas Downes, a man he was collecting debt from. Downes coughs blood directly into Arthur’s face, a realistic depiction of how the disease could spread at that time. This is a pivotal moment in the game. From that moment, Arthur begins experiencing the symptoms of TB. These include a persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. His physical deterioration is visible and progressive, highlighting the severity of the infection.
It’s noteworthy that unlike Downes, Arthur attempts to mitigate the spread by distancing himself and being considerate of others. This is mentioned in the article, “Because Arthur isn’t Thomas Downes. Unlike Downes, Arthur had manners and didn’t cough in people’s faces. He also kept some distance from them whenever he began coughing.” This distinction emphasizes the difference in character and moral consideration between the two.
The Impact of TB on Arthur’s Story
Arthur’s tuberculosis diagnosis acts as a catalyst for his character development. Facing his mortality, he begins to grapple with his past actions and seek redemption. He tries to make amends for the wrongdoings of the gang and develops a strong bond with those he feels deserve his help, particularly John Marston and his family. The illness transforms him from a hardened outlaw to someone concerned with his legacy and the well-being of others. The fact that his death is certain reinforces the message about the harsh realities of life and the importance of finding meaning despite one’s circumstances.
Why He Couldn’t Have Been Saved
Ultimately, there is no way to save Arthur from his fate within the game’s parameters. This is not a flaw or oversight; it is an intentional part of the narrative. The game designers wanted to highlight the historical context, in which a tuberculosis diagnosis was essentially a death sentence. The tragic inevitability of Arthur’s fate underscores the themes of mortality, redemption, and the impact of one’s actions. While some gamers have wondered if certain actions could alter his outcome, the creators made sure that no matter what, Arthur would die of his illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arthur’s Tuberculosis
1. Can I Cure Arthur Morgan’s Tuberculosis in Red Dead Redemption 2?
No. There is no cure for Arthur’s tuberculosis within the game. His fate is sealed from the moment he contracts the disease. The storyline is designed to reflect the historical accuracy of the period, where TB was a deadly illness.
2. Could Arthur Have Killed Micah Without TB?
It’s highly plausible that without TB, Arthur would have had a greater chance of defeating Micah in their final confrontation. Tuberculosis significantly weakened Arthur’s immune system, making him more susceptible to injuries and slowing him down in combat.
3. Why Didn’t Arthur Spread Tuberculosis to Others?
While tuberculosis is contagious, Arthur exhibited responsible behavior. Unlike Thomas Downes, Arthur attempted to control the spread by coughing away from others and keeping his distance, thereby minimizing the chance of infecting the rest of the gang. This is part of his developing morality and caring for those around him.
4. Was Tuberculosis a Death Sentence in 1900?
Yes, a tuberculosis diagnosis in 1900 was often a death sentence. Patients typically had a prognosis of about three years to live. This period was marked by debilitating symptoms such as coughing, chest pains, and gradual decline.
5. Why Was Tuberculosis Called “The White Death?”
Tuberculosis was called “the white plague” or “white death” because it caused a pale, almost ghostly complexion in sufferers. The term reflected the pallor associated with the disease, indicating the severity of the illness in its victims.
6. How Did Tuberculosis Spread in 1899?
Tuberculosis spread primarily through the air via droplets from coughing or sneezing. This is why Arthur contracted the disease after having blood coughed directly into his face by Thomas Downes. Poor sanitation and crowded conditions also facilitated its spread.
7. What Was the Initial Treatment for Tuberculosis?
The initial treatment in the 1800s primarily involved rest, good nutrition, and fresh air. However, there was no reliable treatment, and these measures were largely ineffective at curing the disease. Bleeding and purging were also methods employed, but ultimately useless.
8. Did Micah Get Tuberculosis From Arthur?
No, Micah did not get tuberculosis from Arthur. Although Micah directly interacted with Arthur’s infected blood during their fight, the game’s narrative suggests that he didn’t contract TB. The illness seems to only affect the main character for the game’s purposes and his inevitable demise.
9. When Was the Cure for Tuberculosis Discovered?
The first effective cure for tuberculosis, streptomycin, was discovered in 1943 by Selman Waksman. It was first used on a patient in 1949 and the treatment proved effective. This breakthrough significantly reduced mortality rates for TB sufferers.
10. Why is Tuberculosis Called “The Romantic Disease”?
Tuberculosis was often referred to as the “romantic disease” because of its association with artistic and creative figures. Many artists, poets, and composers either had the disease or were close to others who suffered from it, leading to a romanticized, albeit tragic, perception of the disease.
11. How Does Arthur’s Grave Change With Honor?
Arthur’s grave changes depending on your honor level. If Arthur had high honor, his grave will be adorned with flowers and will have a positive inscription, along with an eagle sitting on top of the grave. If he had low honor, the grave will be in less pristine shape with a more grim inscription.
12. Did Dutch Know Arthur Was Sick?
While Dutch may have noticed that Arthur was ill, his obsession with his plans and paranoia caused him to ignore the seriousness of Arthur’s condition. Dutch’s lack of care contributes to his fall from grace and ultimately his betrayal.
13. Why Was Hosea Coughing in RDR2?
Hosea’s coughing throughout the game hints at a lung disease or some other ailment. Although it’s not explicitly named as tuberculosis, it adds to the sense of impending doom and the harsh realities faced by the gang.
14. Why Did Dutch Shoot Micah?
Dutch shoots Micah at the end of the game as a form of redemption for his actions and betrayals and ultimately, for the death of Arthur. It is a realization that Micah was the source of the gang’s downfall.
15. Why Did Micah Spare Arthur at the Final Fight?
Micah’s reason for sparing Arthur is open to interpretation. It could have been a tactical move, as Micah needed to escape the lawmen. Some think it’s the one instance of mercy that Micah shows during the game, albeit out of practicality.